Florida A&M University alumna Rae’Kwan Bostic has advanced her entertainment career by performing as Princess Tiana aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship, according to an April 1 announcement. Bostic, who graduated from the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities at FAMU, credits her disciplined upbringing and family’s musical background for preparing her for the demands of a professional stage career.
Bostic’s journey highlights how persistence and preparation can lead to unexpected opportunities in the entertainment industry. Raised in a family of eight siblings with two FAMU alumni parents connected to the Marching “100,” she was immersed in music from an early age. “My dad taught me how to play saxophone originally,” Bostic said. “We’d wake up some summers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. just playing our instruments…no TV. Then after that, nap time, lunch, go outside, and practice the instrument again.” She added that discipline was key: “I would be singing for about six to seven hours a day. That was my routine, even during college.”
Her sister Jada Bostic described Rae’Kwan as having both a reserved nature offstage and a strong presence onstage: “If you haven’t met Rae’Kwan, you’d think she is very shy and quiet but that’s only at first glance… She is the most kind and gentle spirit, with a standard of excellence that doesn’t falter for anyone.” The transition into theatrical performance came when Disney visited campus; encouraged by her professor Dr. Kilgore despite not being interested initially in musical theater, Bostic auditioned and embraced acting alongside singing.
Bostic said taking on the role of Princess Tiana pushed her out of her comfort zone: “It’s not just singing, it’s feeling the moment, being in character and really living in the performance.” The role carries special meaning because fellow FAMU alumna Anika Noni Rose originally voiced Tiana in Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog.” As Bostic explained: “Continuing the legacy in all parts is just an honor… It’s been very humbling and rewarding.”
After graduating from FAMU, she moved first to Atlanta for regional theater work before relocating to New York City where she auditioned extensively before landing this opportunity with Disney Cruise Line. Inspiration came from artists like Whitney Houston and Beyoncé as well as support from family members such as Cori Renee Bostic—her older sister who became FAMU’s first female drum major.
Looking ahead, Bostic hopes others will take inspiration from her journey: “I want people to be fearless and go after what they want… If you see it down the road, keep chasing it and don’t give up.” Her story demonstrates perseverance through long hours of practice leading ultimately toward success.
